A few days ago, we heard the news that a long-time resident of this community has returned Home to her eternal reward. Here is the text of the reflection I prepared and shared with those who gathered today to pray her on her way.
A few days ago, news spread throughout this community that Lorraine Ryan had taken her final breath. Since that day, her children and their families have been receiving expressions of sympathy and assurances of support and prayer from all those who have known Lorraine in this life. Today, we gather in this place, united in prayer; through the liturgy of the Church, we give thanks to God today for everything that Lorraine has shared with us, all the good times that we remember so fondly, and all the ways in which we were able to encounter God through her words and actions.
Saint Luke encourages us today to be dressed for action (Lk 12:35) at all times, ready to share the joy of our faith with those we encounter. Lorraine and her beloved husband came to Elliot Lake as pioneers, in the early years of this community. Filled with hopes and dreams for building a future for their family, they were also aware that we all have to work together in order to discover the full potential of what we can be. So it was that they set out. While Tim was working in the mines and at the Elliot Lake Centre, she did not hesitate to weave her way into the fabric of the community. For a time, she was a receptionist in a dental office and later, she worked at the Paint Spot. In her spare time, she enjoyed a variety of sports as well, all the while standing ready to serve others and to share with them the gift of her faith (cf Lk 12:40).
Each day of her life, Lorraine lived her faith, and it was here in this place of prayer that she found her inspiration. It was here that she offered prayers for all of you. It was here that she came to seek guidance whenever she was worried or concerned. It was here that she nourished her hope that one day she would see God face to face. This is the great hope that we all look forward to, and this is the reason why today is a day of great rejoicing. We believe that on the day of her baptism, God made a promise to Lorraine – as he does with each one of us – that from that day onward, she was and always would be his precious, beloved daughter. He also promised to keep a place for her in heaven.
Dear friends, though we may be saddened by the fact that we will no longer see Lorraine in this life, we can rejoice today because we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and ... it will be the same for all those who have died with Jesus in Baptism. When this life is ended, God will bring us with him and we will live with him forever (1 Thes 4:17). Today, we celebrate Lorraine’s birthday in heaven and we give thanks to God for every moment that we were able to spend with her.
Each one of us too has been assured of our place in heaven. One day, we will see Lorraine again, in that place where we will all be together. Until that day, we must continue to be pioneers: paving the way for others by telling them about our faith. Every one of us can share the good news that we have learned in this place. We can all go out into the world and tell others: Do you know what I have learned? Our redeemer is risen; he is alive. When I get to heaven, I will look on God (Job 19:25-26).
Funeral homily for Lorraine Ryan
A few days ago, news spread throughout this community that Lorraine Ryan had taken her final breath. Since that day, her children and their families have been receiving expressions of sympathy and assurances of support and prayer from all those who have known Lorraine in this life. Today, we gather in this place, united in prayer; through the liturgy of the Church, we give thanks to God today for everything that Lorraine has shared with us, all the good times that we remember so fondly, and all the ways in which we were able to encounter God through her words and actions.
Saint Luke encourages us today to be dressed for action (Lk 12:35) at all times, ready to share the joy of our faith with those we encounter. Lorraine and her beloved husband came to Elliot Lake as pioneers, in the early years of this community. Filled with hopes and dreams for building a future for their family, they were also aware that we all have to work together in order to discover the full potential of what we can be. So it was that they set out. While Tim was working in the mines and at the Elliot Lake Centre, she did not hesitate to weave her way into the fabric of the community. For a time, she was a receptionist in a dental office and later, she worked at the Paint Spot. In her spare time, she enjoyed a variety of sports as well, all the while standing ready to serve others and to share with them the gift of her faith (cf Lk 12:40).
Each day of her life, Lorraine lived her faith, and it was here in this place of prayer that she found her inspiration. It was here that she offered prayers for all of you. It was here that she came to seek guidance whenever she was worried or concerned. It was here that she nourished her hope that one day she would see God face to face. This is the great hope that we all look forward to, and this is the reason why today is a day of great rejoicing. We believe that on the day of her baptism, God made a promise to Lorraine – as he does with each one of us – that from that day onward, she was and always would be his precious, beloved daughter. He also promised to keep a place for her in heaven.
Dear friends, though we may be saddened by the fact that we will no longer see Lorraine in this life, we can rejoice today because we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and ... it will be the same for all those who have died with Jesus in Baptism. When this life is ended, God will bring us with him and we will live with him forever (1 Thes 4:17). Today, we celebrate Lorraine’s birthday in heaven and we give thanks to God for every moment that we were able to spend with her.
Each one of us too has been assured of our place in heaven. One day, we will see Lorraine again, in that place where we will all be together. Until that day, we must continue to be pioneers: paving the way for others by telling them about our faith. Every one of us can share the good news that we have learned in this place. We can all go out into the world and tell others: Do you know what I have learned? Our redeemer is risen; he is alive. When I get to heaven, I will look on God (Job 19:25-26).
No comments:
Post a Comment